.ODEX File Extension

File TypeOptimized Dalvik Executable

Binary

This file is saved in a binary format, which requires a specific program to read its contents.

What is an ODEX file?

An ODEX file is created by the Android operating system to increase the boot speed of an Android app (an .APK file). It is located alongside an APK file and contains optimized code that speeds up the app load process.

More Information

ODEX files are the optimized versions of .DEX files, which contain the executable code for an Android app. While DEX files generically run on all Android devices, ODEX files are optimized for the specific device on which they reside. They not only help load speed, but they also decrease the amount of space required for the app.

Android creates ODEX files for apps before they are run, and they contain the same filename prefix as their corresponding APK file (e.g., MyApp.apk and MyApp.odex). The data in ODEX files replaces data used in the equivalent DEX file (classes.dex) stored inside the APK file.

NOTE: Dalvik is the name given to the virtual machine that runs the compiled code for Android apps. Therefore, an optimized DEX file, or ODEX file, is optimized for execution by the Dalvik virtual machine.

About ODEX Files

Our goal is to help you understand what a file with a *.odex suffix is and how to open it.

The Optimized Dalvik Executable file type, file format description, and Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android programs listed on this page have been individually researched and verified by the FileInfo team. We strive for 100% accuracy and only publish information about file formats that we have tested and validated.